Question

what do we mean when we say chemical adsorption is highly specific in nature?

Answer 1

The adsorption that occurs between the adsorbate and adsorbent is due to the formation of bond between them. In Chemical adsorption the bond is formed due to strong chemical forces which are highly directional in nature and strong. Most importantly this adsorption occur under a condition of high temperature and pressure. Therefore, this particular nature of strong adsorption due to strong chemical bond and condition of temeprature and pressure tends to make chemical adsorption highly specific in nature.